Helicopter parenting at work: Why some Gen Z adults are bringing their parents into their careers
As Gen Z workers comprise nearly one-fifth of the current workforce, a concerning trend has emerged: parents increasingly engaging in their adult children's careers. This phenomenon, dubbed "career co-piloting" by career coach Jasmine Escalera, involves parents taking an active role in their children's professional lives, from assisting with job applications to attending Zoom interviews.
A Wall Street Journal report reveals that this trend is growing, with some parents even calling hiring managers to question why their child wasn't hired for a position.
Steven Clark, COO of a staffing firm in Alaska, has had to fire a 24-year-old employee twice after the employee's mother repeatedly intervened, asking for a second chance. When Clark refused, the conversation turned heated, with Clark insisting that the matter was between the employee and the company. The report suggests that excessive parental involvement can hinder an adult child's development of confidence and independence, as it prevents them from experiencing and learning from challenges on their own.
Organizational psychologist Gurleen Baruah explains that this trend may stem from older millennial parents, who were themselves raised in controlling environments, becoming overly emotionally involved in their adult children's lives. Parents may also be driven by a desire to protect their children from the difficulties they faced themselves. However, this over-involvement can backfire, as it can lead to dependency and hinder the development of problem-solving skills.
Baruah suggests that a healthier approach to supporting an adult child's career is to act more like a coach, offering guidance, asking questions, and encouraging independent decision-making. This balanced approach allows young adults to learn from their mistakes and experiences, ultimately fostering the development of the skills and confidence they need to navigate their professional lives independently.
Written by urgent.news from The Indian Express's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
